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The Jews are God’s Chosen People – But Why? Jan 17, 2025

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A @Christadelphians Video: Description: As we look back in scripture to Abraham and the promises God made to him, we can see why Israel (Abraham’s grandson) became God’s chosen nation to bear witness of God’s ability to save men. One day soon God will also establish a kingdom, centred in Jerusalem, filled with His glory. # Summary The PRESENTATION explores the question of why the Jews are considered God's chosen people, delving into their historical significance and relationship with God. It discusses God's overarching plan for the Earth, the origins of the Jewish nation through Abraham, and significant events in Jewish history that highlight their unique role. The presentation concludes by asserting that while the Jews have faced numerous challenges, their existence serves as a testament to God's promises and purpose. # Highlights - ✝️ **God's Plan for the Earth**: The presentation begins by outlining God's purpose to fill the Earth with His glory, as stated in Numbers 14:21. This sets the stage for understanding the significance of the Jewish people in God's plan. - 📜 **The Origins of the Jews**: It details how God chose Abraham to establish a nation, with promises made that would extend to his descendants, ultimately leading to the formation of Israel. - ⏳ **Historical Challenges**: The Jews endured various captivities and oppressions throughout history, including slavery in Egypt and the Babylonian captivity, which served as lessons for their disobedience to God. - 🌍 **Modern Relevance**: The presentation discusses the Holocaust and the establishment of modern Israel, highlighting the resilience of the Jewish people and their ongoing struggles, which reflect their unique role in God's narrative. - 🙏 **The Nature of Being Chosen**: It clarifies that being God's chosen people does not imply superiority but rather a role in demonstrating God's existence and fulfilling His promises to humanity. # keyword #Jews #ChosenPeople #GodsPlan

Thoughts on the readings for January 17th (Genesis 30; Psalm 34; Matthew 19) Jan 17, 2025

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houghts on the readings for January 17th (Genesis 30; Psalm 34; Matthew 19)

Genesis 30 tells of Rachel’s exasperation in seeking children; demands from Jacob that he give her children. Rachel gives Bilhah her maid to Jacob. A son is born and named Dan (meaning “vindication”, or “judgment”) claiming that she (Rachel) has God on her side. We notice that Rachel is making this contest with her sister personal. Another son is born to Bilhah and named Naphtali – speaking of the struggle, or wrestle Rachel saw between herself and Leah. Taking up the contest Leah gives her maid, Zilpah, to Jacob. A son is produced and called Gad – meaning “a troop” – telling of another son to come. Zilpah produces a second son, who Leah names Asher (“blessed”, or “happy”). Surely Jacob would be happy with the 6 sons produced thus far by Leah and her maid. Reuben found wild mandrakes in the field; believed by the ancients to be a potential aphrodisiac and a fertility booster. Rachel asks for these and in return promises Leah access to Jacob. This results in a 5th son for Leah – named Issachar
(meaning “hired” ie Jacob in exchange for the mandrakes). Leah next produced a 6th son, Zebulon – indicating “dwelling” – in the hope of Jacob becoming Leah’s companion. Lastly Leah gave birth to a daughter, Dinah. Rachel is finally remembered by God and has a son Joseph – meaning “add”, or “increasing” – in the hope of having a further son. Jacob served Laban for 6 more years in order to provide for his large family. Tricky Laban during this time changed Jacob’s contract 10 times. No matter how unlikely it was for Jacob to increase his herds of sheep and cattle the Almighty blessed and prospered him, as had been promised at Bethel in chapter 28. Jacob’s honesty and integrity were endorsed by God in what the cattle produced. Laban’s deceit and dishonesty were at this time punished by the LORD. Whilst there was some value in the selective breeding Jacob practised; there was no science behind the putting of the poplar trees before the eyes of the cattle at watering time.

Cont ....

https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-january-17th-genesis-30-psalm-34-matthew-19/

Thought for January 17th. “DO YOU BEGRUDGE MY …” Jan 17, 2025

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The last 2 verses of today’s chapter (19) in Matthew can be puzzling if we do not realize the chapter break is wrongly placed and the context includes the next chapter. The end of chapter 19 records Jesus as saying, “everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

The lesson Jesus is teaching becomes clear in his next words at the start of ch. 20. “For the kingdom of heaven is like a master … who went out early … to hire labourers for his vineyard … for a denarius a day” There follows the details of going out again at “the third hour … the sixth hour … the ninth hour … the eleventh hour.”

In the evening payment is made “beginning at the first” [v.4] and they all receive the same payment (v.10) regardless of how long they have worked. Those who had “borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat” [v.12] complain. Verses 15 & 16 put the matter into focus from the divine point of view, “Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity? So the last will be first, and the first last.”

The disciples are going to labour in the “scorching heat” of the day, this is a lesson for them. But beware of looking at the situation from the opposite perspective! Could we be tempted to think to ourselves, ‘As long as we get to the service on most Sundays, that is all I really have to do’?

Look back at the first passage quoted above, Jesus says, “everyone who has left … for my name’s sake will receive …” It evidently means, everyone who has given first consideration to me and the needs of my vineyard as they live their lives – and done things, according to their ability and opportunity (and this includes making opportunities) “will receive….”

Let’s put this alongside another saying of Jesus in Luke ch. 12. First note v. 37 “Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes” and then “everyone to whom much was given, of him (or her) much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” [v.48] Much food for thought for us today – how much has been given to me – to you?.

Thoughts on the readings for January 16th (Genesis 28, 29, Psalm 33, Matthew 18) Jan 16, 2025

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In Genesis 28 we are told that Isaac in response to Rebekah’s entreaty sends Jacob to Haran to seek for a wife who is of the Abrahamic faith. The Abrahamic promises are given to Jacob in verses 3-4. Jacob took his journey in haste still worrying over Esau’s intention of killing his twin. Verses 6 to 9 tell us that Esau has not the faintest idea of what being a faithful believer means. He takes two more wives, who have descended from Ishmael. In verse 10 we are told of Jacob’s arrival at Bethel (“the house of God”); although referred to earlier in the record, it was most likely so named because of the incidents in this chapter. Jacob must have been wearied from his journey as he took a stone for a pillow; and dreamed of a ladder stretching from earth to heaven. There were angels on the ladder; and, we are told that they were first ascending, and secondly descending upon the ladder. Word order is critical to observe and carefully read in the Bible, as Hebrews 5 explains. If they ascend first that means they are already with Jacob to help him
(see Hebrews 1:14). They go to heaven and return after having been instructed in what further aid is needed (Revelation 3:5). Verse 13 tells us that Yahweh (most likely Michael – the angel who bore the Name of his God) stood, as a caring supervisor of those providing the help, at the top of the ladder. All things associated with the salvation of His children are of God and from Him. Some people have mistakenly used this chapter to suggest that the text teaches “we go to heaven when we die”. In fact, it teaches the very opposite. The angels were with Jacob on earth providing him aid. Notice also in the words that immediately follow Jacob is promised the Land covenanted to Abraham and that through the seed of Jacob (the Lord Jesus Christ) blessing will come to all nations of this earth (the NT says the same, Romans verse 13). Next the Almighty offers to Jacob daily care and protection throughout his sojourn; until he returns to the Promised Land (verse 15). On awakening Jacob felt the awesomeness of the place, where he had slept; and reverentially names it “the House of God” (Bethel). He set up the stone upon which he had slept, and “anointed (Hebrew Massiah – i.e Christed it) the stone and declaring it to be the pillar of the house (Matthew 16 verses 16 to18 and 1 Corinthians 3 verses 11, 16 and 17 Ephesians 2 verses 11to 22, please read them slowly and consider carefully. This is the first use of “anointing” in the Bible. In acknowledgment of the overshadowing care of the Almighty and the promise of inheritance and providence of the LORD Jacob promises to give a tenth of all (a tithe) back to his Sovereign to show that all we receive is a blessing, of which we are unworthy, from the Father.

Thought for January 16th. “IT IS NECESSARY THAT … “ Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

Certain things are necessary in our lives such as clothing to wear and food to eat. Note how Paul made the point to Timothy “if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content” and “there is great gain in godliness with contentment” [1 Tim. 6 v.6,8] What hinders our contentment?

Now in today’s 18th chapter of Matthew Jesus told his disciples, “Woe to the world for temptations to sin. For it is necessary that temptations come …” [v.7] Why is it necessary? Wouldn’t it be better if believers lived protected lives without anything tempting us? No, it wouldn’t!

When we make things we test them to make sure they are strong enough to be used for the purpose for which we made them. It maybe that some part will break off! If that makes it useless, then we throw it away. But often, even with a part broken off there is still a good use for it – and that is the point behind Jesus’ parable that “if your hand or your foot causes you to sin , cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire.” [v.8]

We may have a special aptitude or talent, but if it has no spiritual value – but rather, the opposite, then we should push it out of our lives. Let us use make full use of the talents and opportunities we have – and not fret about others, and our failures, and be in danger of being useless to God..

Once again our Psalms reading (33) is valuable – v.10 refers to our time and is very applicable, “The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples.” And so efforts to achieve peace between nations and peoples are getting nowhere – as are efforts to take action to stop or at least minimize global warming. God is not only ignored – most push out of their minds any thought as to his existence. Does that influence you? Note the great truth of v.12 “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!” The words of Jesus we read and thought about illustrate the elements of behaviour that really count – “but it is necessary” that chosen vessels are tested as to their worthiness. Are you passing the test? May we all be among those whom he chooses – may we help each other to pass the test.

Thought for January 15th. “FOR WHEN I KEPT SILENT” Jan 15, 2025

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Psalm 32 today is an intimate exchange of words between David and God; it is one of the most personal of all the Psalms – just 11 verses, but so powerful! The first 7 are by David and the remainder; God’s response. How meaningful! Remember Paul’s comment on God’s words, , “They were written down for our instruction, on who the end of the ages has come,” [1 Cor. 10 v.11] We are surely living in the final end of the ages”!

The first verse declares, “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” David recognises that “the LORD counts no iniquity”, (in the one) in whose spirit is no deceit.” [v.2] His next words are, “For when I kept silent … day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up …” [v.3,4]

The world is full of deceit and efforts to avoid any penalty for wrong-doing; does this influence us? Any sense of “guilt” is pushed out of sight, out of mind. But it is David who sets us the example, he says to God, “I acknowledged my sin to you… you forgave … my sin … you preserve me from trouble… you surround me with shouts of deliverance”[v. 5,7]

Then comes God’s answer, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding … or it will not stay near you.” [v.8,9]

The Bible, so wonderfully preserved and so readily available to us provides us with Divine instruction, we have only ourselves to blame if we are “without understanding”. May we all fully sense that “steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD” and so “Be glad … rejoice … and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! [v.10,11] It is only when we keep “silent” that our hearts fail in uprightness.

Thoughts on the readings for January 15th (Genesis 27, Psalm 32, Matthew 17) Jan 15, 2025

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Thoughts on the readings for January 15th (Genesis 27, Psalm 32, Matthew 17)

Genesis 27 is a pivotal chapter, which explains much about the 4 principal characters of this record – Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob and Esau. All of them show defects when compared against the divine standard. Isaac knew his Sovereign’s revealed will that Jacob would be the blessed, and that the elder (Esau) would serve the younger (Jacob); yet he tried to subvert this in seeking to bless Esau. Rebekah did not wait for the Almighty to fulfill His promise; but she believed her intervention and deception would be needed for this to happen. Jacob was prepared to deceive his father (Isaac) at the urging of his mother (Rebekah) rather than to trust in his God to outwork the bestowing of the blessing. Esau was a profane and godless man, who cared about none but himself; and he sought only material prosperity. Isaac’s sight had gone and he believed that he was nearing death. So Isaac told Esau to catch and prepare venison for him to eat before dying; and, that he might bestow on Esau the Abrahamic blessing. On overhearing this Rebekah immediately calls Jacob to fetch goats that she might cook them with spices so as to taste like savoury venison. Jacob is scared that their planned deception might fail, since Jacob’s skin is smooth and Esau’s is rough and hairy. Rebekah says Jacob is to dress in Esau’s clothes so as to smell like his brother. And she will sow the goat skins to Jacob’s arms in order to deceive Isaac. Isaac’s sight being gone, Rebekah and Jacob must betray his sense of taste, smell and touch. After hearing Jacob Isaac was suspicious, nevertheless his other senses told him that it was Esau standing before him. Isaac gave the blessing in verses 27 to 29. Read these verses aloud and contemplate their meaning. Isaac had disobeyed Yahweh’s determinations. Esau now appeared with his prey prepared for eating. Upon realising what had happened Isaac trembled – the Hebrew says, “he trembled with the trembling of God” – as well he should, having sought to impose his will above the LORD’s; Isaac now in humility of mind submitted himself before the Almighty. Esau with intense pleas and tears sought unsuccessfully to reverse Isaac’s mind (Hebrews 12 verses 15 to 17). Isaac now stood immovable having understood the Almighty cannot be resisted. The apparent blessing Esau received was in no way a blessing (verses 39 and 40). The Hebrew words in verse 29 translated, “the fatness of the earth”, actually mean “away from the fatness of the earth” – Esau thereafter dwelt in the barren wilderness of Seir, at Petra. And as verse 30 told he lived by his sword and was the sworn enemy to Jacob his brother; and the nations that descended from the twins perpetrated the animosity until Edom (Esau) ceased to exist as a nation in 70 AD when Rome sacked Jerusalem. Rebekah overhead Esau’s threat to murder Jacob and planned his escape to Haran. In verse 46 Rebekah used Esau’s profane marriages to Canaanitish wives as a reason for Isaac to order that Jacob be sent to Haran to find a faithful, covenanted wife from among Abraham’s relatives.

cont reading here. https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-january-15th-genesis-27-psalm-32-matthew-17/

Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team produced by Christa delphianvideo .org

Family Matters #31 'Forgiveness' Jan 14, 2025

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A @Christadelphians Video: # Summary David and Carolyn Bailey discuss the transformative power of forgiveness, its personal and spiritual implications, and insights from David's book, "The Wonder of Forgiveness." # Highlights - 🌟 Special guests David and Carolyn Bailey discuss forgiveness. - 📖 David's book, "The Wonder of Forgiveness," explores personal experiences of forgiveness. - 🤝 The importance of forgiving others and understanding God's forgiveness. - 🙏 Biblical references emphasize the significance of forgiveness in relationships with God. - ✨ Forgiveness can lead to healing and joy in personal lives. - 💔 The ongoing struggle with forgiveness, especially in cases of abuse. - 🌈 True forgiveness reflects God's love and character manifesting through us. # Key Insights - 🌼 **Forgiveness as a Journey**: Forgiveness is not a one-time act but a continuous journey that requires self-reflection and understanding of God's grace. It allows individuals to release burdens and find peace. - 📜 **Biblical Foundations**: The Bible emphasizes forgiveness as essential for spiritual health, showing that God's forgiveness of our sins is closely linked to our ability to forgive others. - 💔 **Impact of Abuse**: Experiences of abuse complicate the forgiveness process, highlighting the need for support and understanding in healing. Recognizing that all humans are affected by sin can foster empathy. - 🤲 **Freedom in Forgiving**: Forgiveness liberates individuals from the chains of resentment, enabling them to move forward and rebuild their lives, regardless of past hurts. - 🌐 **Community and Forgiveness**: Healthy ecclesial life thrives on mutual forgiveness and support, creating an environment where individuals can confess and heal together. - 🌈 **Joy in Forgiveness**: Experiencing and extending forgiveness creates profound joy, reflecting God's character and love in our interactions with others. - 🔄 **Trust and Boundaries**: While forgiveness is essential, rebuilding trust takes time and may require setting boundaries to protect oneself from future harm.

Family Matters #46 Heartache and Hope in the Loss of a Child Jan 14, 2025

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A @Christadelphians Video: # Summary In this episode of "Family Matters," hosts Luke and Vicky Smith share their deeply moving journey of coping with the loss of their daughter, Jamaa, who passed away from leukemia. They discuss the emotional challenges, the role of faith in their healing process, and the importance of hope and community support during their darkest times. Their story highlights the significance of acknowledging grief and maintaining connections to loved ones, even after loss. # Highlights - 💔 **Heartbreaking Loss**: Luke and Vicky Smith experienced the devastating loss of their daughter, Jamaa, to leukemia, which profoundly impacted their family and faith. - 🙏 **Faith and Hope**: Their unwavering faith in God and the hope of resurrection provided them with comfort and strength throughout their ordeal, influencing their perspectives on life and loss. - 🤝 **Community Support**: They emphasise the importance of community and open communication in dealing with grief, encouraging others to acknowledge losses and keep memories alive. # Keywords #Grief #Hope #Faith

Apostolic teaching fundamental to salvation! Jan 14, 2025

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A @Christadelphians Video: Description: It does matter what we believe if we desire to have eternal salvation in God’s Kingdom. The Bible teaches there is only one Gospel message which has come from the prophets and the apostles. To understand and obey this Good News or Gospel message will give us a foundation to build our lives on. We need to search the pages of God’s word to find its true message and to practice it in our lives. # Summary The PRESENTATION discusses the significance of Apostolic teaching as fundamental to salvation, exploring the teachings of the apostles and their implications for believers today. It clarifies the concept of apostolic teachings, the definition of salvation according to the Bible, and the essential role of the apostles in conveying the gospel. The presentation emphasises the importance of adhering to these teachings, understanding the nature of sin and death, and recognising the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. # Highlights - 📖 **Apostolic Teaching**: Apostolic teaching refers to the doctrines and instructions given by the apostles, specifically those chosen by Jesus Christ, essential for understanding salvation. - ✝️ **Definition of Salvation**: Bible salvation is defined as the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, highlighting that we do not possess eternal life yet; it is promised for the future. - 🌍 **Kingdom of God**: The apostles taught that the Kingdom of God will be established on Earth, not in heaven, and that believers must prepare for this coming kingdom through faith and obedience. - ⚖️ **Sin and Death**: The primary problem facing humanity is sin, which leads to death. The presentation stresses that all people, regardless of status, are affected by sin and need salvation. - 💬 **Importance of Doctrine**: Doctrine is essential to salvation, and the apostles emphasised the need for believers to adhere to their teachings, warning against false gospels and doctrines of men. - 🙏 **Call to Action**: The presentation concludes by urging listeners to engage with the Bible, meditate on its teachings, and live according to the apostolic doctrine to secure their salvation. # keyword #ApostolicTeaching #Salvation #KingdomOfGod

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